She was born January 2, 1944 in Springfield, one of eleven children to Henry Charles William and Edna Maud (Knight) Thompson. Her mother passed away early in Betty’s life and her father and step-mother Mary (Townsend) raised her and siblings.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents, step-mother, sisters Shirley Minser, Evelyn Darling and Helen Mays.

Betty married Raymond William “Red’ Helmkamp on Dec. 1,1973 at St. John's United Church of Christ in Midway IL.

Betty had a rewarding career in the Home Health Care field for the State of Illinois and retired in 2002 after 20 years. She was an avid collector of “Betty Boop” memorabilia.

Visitation will be Tuesday, November 28, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Bramley Funeral Home in Divernon. Funeral Services will be held, Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Chuck Kurfman officiating.

Burial will take place in Brush Creek Cemetery in Divernon.

Betty is survived by her husband, Red of Divernon; son, Jeff (Amanda) Helmkamp of Springfield; grandchildren, Amanda and Zildjian; a great grand-daughter; sisters, Pat Walker of Clinton, AR and Sally Thompson of Nashville, TN; brothers, John Thompson of Greenfield, David Thompson of Murfreesboro, TN, Robert Townsend of Mareno Valley CA, Henry Thompson of Washington and William Thompson of Dulzura, CA; several nieces and nephews.

Memorials are to be made in Betty’s name to the Animal Protective League.